International Silver Co. Heritage Pattern Silverplate Footed Tea Sugar or Creamer
Tea Service / Hollowware (Sugar Bowl or Creamer) · International Silver Company (Meriden, Connecticut). Formed in 1898 through the merger of many major New England silversmiths including Rogers Bros and Meriden Britannia Co. Once the largest manufacturer of silverware in the world.
Pattern: Heritage Pattern (originally by 1847 Rogers Bros, a primary brand for International Silver), introduced in 1953. Currently discontinued but widely collected for replacement sets.
Type
Tea Service / Hollowware (Sugar Bowl or Creamer)
Maker
International Silver Company (Meriden, Connecticut). Formed in 1898 through the merger of many major New England silversmiths including Rogers Bros and Meriden Britannia Co. Once the largest manufacturer of silverware in the world.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). The base is likely a copper-nickel-zinc alloy, traditionally called Nickel Silver, with a surface coating of fine silver. Note the 'E.P. BRASS' or nickel mark on the base.
Dimensions
Estimated height of 4-6 inches. Weight is substantial due to the base metal, typically 300-500 grams for a piece of this size. Not measured in troy ounces as it is plated.
Description
An elegant example of mid-20th-century American silverplate from the popular 'Heritage' line by International Silver. This footed vessel features ornate floral chasing on its four feet and handles, contrasting with a smooth, expansive body designed to showcase a high-mirror polish.
Key Features
Identification is confirmed by the '1847 Rogers Bros Heritage' stamp and the number 9978. Characterized by heavy floral relief on the structural appendages.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). The base is likely a copper-nickel-zinc alloy, traditionally called Nickel Silver, with a surface coating of fine silver. Note the 'E.P. BRASS' or nickel mark on the base.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with heavy tarnish. Features 'Heritage' design elements: ornate floral and foliate repoussé/chased motifs on the feet and handles, typical of the Neoclassical/Mid-Century revival style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'IS' (International Silver) in a shield logo, '1847 ROGERS BROS', 'HERITAGE', and the production model number '9978'. It also indicates 'E.P. BRASS' or 'E.P.C.' (Electroplated Copper/Brass).
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured through metal spinning or stamping parts, with cast decorative feet and handles soldered onto the main body. The base is smooth with machine-stamped identification marks.
Functional Features
Quadrupedal design with four scrolling feet for stability on a tea tray. Heat conservation is managed by the thickness of the hollowware body.
Handle & Grip Details
The visible handle/attachment is a cast ornate scroll style with floral relief. It is soldered directly to the body, typical of mid-20th-century silverplate production.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial production. The chasing and relief on the feet show good detail for a machine-produced item, though mold lines may be visible upon close inspection compared to hand-wrought silver.
Authentication Indicators
Stamps are consistent with authentic International Silver production of the 1950s. The 'IS' logo and pattern name 'Heritage' are standard marks. Wear patterns on the feet are consistent with age.
Origin & Manufacturing
Meriden, Connecticut, USA. Produced in the United States' historical 'Silver City' during the peak of International Silver's market dominance.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Neoclassical Revival (circa 1953-1970). Designed to look like earlier Victorian or Empire silver but manufactured with modern industrial techniques.
Age Estimate
Circa 1953-1965 based on the Heritage pattern introduction date and the specific styling of the 'IS' shield logo.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII American desire for formal dining elegance and the democratization of luxury, as high-quality silverplate allowed middle-class families to own elaborate tea services.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant surface tarnish (oxidation) and 'clouding' of the silver. Visible scratches on the base. No major structural dents or 'plate loss' (bleeding of the base metal) are visible in the photo, but heavy cleaning is required.
Value Estimate
$20 - $45 USD for a single piece like this in silverplate. Value is decorative and utilitarian rather than based on metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water first, then use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright’s. Avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the thin plating. Store in Pacific Silvercloth to prevent future tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Reed & Barton 'Winthrop' or 'King Francis' and Wallace 'Grand Baroque' silverplate. International Silver's 'Camille' pattern is also frequently confused with 'Heritage' due to similar floral edging.
Interesting Facts
The '1847 Rogers Bros' brand name was kept for over a century by International Silver because the Rogers brothers were the first to successfully perfect electroplating in America.